CA1043439A - Grain loss monitor - Google Patents
Grain loss monitorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1043439A CA1043439A CA232,772A CA232772A CA1043439A CA 1043439 A CA1043439 A CA 1043439A CA 232772 A CA232772 A CA 232772A CA 1043439 A CA1043439 A CA 1043439A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- grain
- per unit
- unit area
- loss per
- grain loss
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000012935 Averaging Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims 8
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 235000013339 cereals Nutrition 0.000 description 80
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 12
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 5
- YOBAEOGBNPPUQV-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron;trihydrate Chemical compound O.O.O.[Fe].[Fe] YOBAEOGBNPPUQV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 4
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 241000251169 Alopias vulpinus Species 0.000 description 3
- 244000068988 Glycine max Species 0.000 description 3
- 235000010469 Glycine max Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 244000075850 Avena orientalis Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000007319 Avena orientalis Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 240000007594 Oryza sativa Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 241001272996 Polyphylla fullo Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000015505 Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000011684 Sorghum saccharatum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 244000062793 Sorghum vulgare Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000009566 rice Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000021307 Triticum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000098338 Triticum aestivum Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002674 ointment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D41/00—Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices
- A01D41/12—Details of combines
- A01D41/127—Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
- A01D41/1271—Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines for measuring crop flow
- A01D41/1272—Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines for measuring crop flow for measuring grain flow
- A01D41/1273—Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines for measuring crop flow for measuring grain flow for measuring grain loss
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S56/00—Harvesters
- Y10S56/15—Condition responsive
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A grain loss monitor for a combine harvester derives a grain loss rate signal in accordance with the number of grains impinging on a transducer and a ground speed signal proportional to the ground speed of the combine and divides the former by the latter to derive an analog of grain loss per unit area which is independent of time. The preferred embodiment includes a one-shot multivibrator which is triggered to its unstable state to generate a fixed width pulse each time a grain kernel strikes the transducer, a tachometer coupled to the combine wheels and a period timed integrator triggered by tachometer pulses for deriving a unidirectional ground speed voltage inversely proportional to frequency of the tachometer pulses, a pulse frequency modulation chopper circuit turned on and off by the fixed width one-shot pulses and having its peak voltage controlled by the unidirectional ground speed signal for accomplishing division of grain loss rate by combine ground speed, and an averaging circuit for determining the average voltage of the chopper output pulses as an analog of grain loss per unit area.
A grain loss monitor for a combine harvester derives a grain loss rate signal in accordance with the number of grains impinging on a transducer and a ground speed signal proportional to the ground speed of the combine and divides the former by the latter to derive an analog of grain loss per unit area which is independent of time. The preferred embodiment includes a one-shot multivibrator which is triggered to its unstable state to generate a fixed width pulse each time a grain kernel strikes the transducer, a tachometer coupled to the combine wheels and a period timed integrator triggered by tachometer pulses for deriving a unidirectional ground speed voltage inversely proportional to frequency of the tachometer pulses, a pulse frequency modulation chopper circuit turned on and off by the fixed width one-shot pulses and having its peak voltage controlled by the unidirectional ground speed signal for accomplishing division of grain loss rate by combine ground speed, and an averaging circuit for determining the average voltage of the chopper output pulses as an analog of grain loss per unit area.
Description
: ~.043439 This invention relates to grain harvesting combines -, , and more particularly to grain loss monitors for indicating - , ' to a combine operator the rate at which grain is lost from the combine due to incomplete separation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a typical combine the grain loss at the shoe and at the walker increases exponentially with feedrate.
Variations in crop density during combine operation directly change feedrate, and consequently the grain loss varies.
Since feedrate is also a direct function of combine speed, the combine operator can offset such change in loss by altering the operating speed. In an attempt to minimize - ;' ~, the human error in monitoring the separation process, grain ,, loss monitors have been developed of the type disclosed in ~ ' :i , U.S. patents 3,593,?20 to J. R. Botterill and 3,606,745 to ' , J. C. F. Girodat which detect the number of grain kernels -' passing per unit time at the discharge end of the walker or of the shoe. However, such known monitors do not indicate ', whether the combine is being used to maximum processing ,~ 20 efficiency since they do not take combine ground speed into account. Grain loss monitors which measure the number of grains passing a sensor per unit time may read 1 at a 1 mile pe,r hour (mph) which is equivaIent to a reading of 3 at 3 mph ~; and a reading of 5 at S mph. Five times the acreage is covered by the combine in one hour at 5 mph as compared to 1 mph, and the grain loss is spread over five times the area, and' ¦ consequently, the processing efficiency is five times higher at 5 mph than at 1 mph.
S It is common practice to judge processin~ quality -.. - .
3 30 by measuring los~ per area which actually is the number of , kernels per acre after processing. The combine operator ,~
, ~043439 cannot sense the loss per area and thus cannot accurately adjust combine speed so as to maintain the same processing quality in the presence of crop variations. The use of loss per acre as a measure of processing quality i~ an optimal type control in that increased loss presents a cost to the farmer while operation at a lower than acceptable feedrate extends the time required for harvesting and the number of machine operating hours.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
,.. ... .
It is an object of the invention to provide an im-proved grain loss monitor for a harvesting combine which direct-ly indicates processing efficiency to the combine operator.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved grain loss monitor for a harvesting combine which takes combine ground speed into account and provides a reading ^` of percent grain Ioss per acre relative to an arbitrary setpoint ~
which is independent of time. ~-A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved grain loss monitor whose output reading is directly -`
,., . : .
, 20 related to cost and is in units in which a farmer customarily ~-thinks. ~-, It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved grain loss monitor for a harvesting combine which -indicates grain loss per unit area over a wide range of processing efficiencies with the same sensitivity over the `- -entire range. Another object is to provide such an improved 'i grain loss monitor which is adjustable to indicate grain loss per unit area for crops requiring low threshing cylinder gpeeds such as corn and soybeans as well as for crops requiring relatively high threshing cylinder speeds such as , oat~ and rice and which provides the same sensitivity of reading regardless of combine cylinder speed.
. ,, . . :
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when considered in con~unction with the accompanying drawing wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a known harvesting combine on which the grain loss monitor of the invention is mounted;
Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the grain loss monitor of the invention;
;~ Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate voltage pulses at different points in the grain rate signal portion of the monitor resulting from grain and chaff striking the sensor;
Figs. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e respectively illustrate signals at different points in the ground speed signal portion of the monitor which receives signals from a tachometer driven ~ by the combine;
- Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram of the grain loss monitor ; of the invention; -~
Fig. 6 is a side view of a portion of the combine of -Fig. 1 carrying the walker sensor and the shoe sensor; and Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are views taken respectively along lines VII-VII, VIII-VIII and IX-IX of Fig. 6 illustrating the preferred mounting of the shoe sensor and the walker sensor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention a grain loss per unit area monitor for a variable speed combine adapted to harvest a crop and recover grain therefrom comprises the combination of means including an electrical transducer adapted to be positioned in the flow path of grain in said combine for generating a grain flow rate signal which is a function of the ~ _ 3 _ ~. , . . ;, . , .. , . . .:
number of grains of said crop impinging on said transducer, means for deriving a ground speed signal which is a function of the ground speed of said combine, and means for deriving a signal which is the analog of said grain flow rate signal divided by said ground speed signal, whereby said analog signal is indicative of grain loss per unit area and is independent of time.
The grain loss monitor of the invention derives:
(1) a grain loss rate signal Vg which is a function of the number of grains per unit time that impinge upon an electrical : transducer, and (2) a ground speed signal Vs proportional to the ground speed of the combine and divides Vg by Vs to provide an analog of 9rAin 10RS per unit areA which is .
, ,, - , ..
, .
,~,~, ,,, " ,, . ,~ . .
10434;~9 independent of time. The preferred embodiment accomplishes such division in a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) chopper circuit which multiplies the grain loss rate signal Vg by a unidirectional voltage kl/VS inversely proportional to the frequency of pulses from a tachometer driven by the combine wheels.
Grains impinging upon the transducer generate pulses which trigger a one-shot multivibrator to generate output pulses of fixed width (Ton). A period timed integrator 10 is triggered by each tachometer pulse to initiate a ramp signal, and a peak detector senses the peak voltages of the ramp signals to derive the unidirectional voltage k1/VS
inversely proportional to combine speed. The chopper circuit ; is turned on and off by the fixed width one-shot output pulses and its peak voltage is controlled by the unidirectional signal k1/vs.
Since the variable length grain loss period (T~1/Vg) of the chopper is established by the frequency of grains impinging upon the transducer and the chopper is turned on ~0 by the one-shot output pulses of fixed width (Ton) and its peak voltage is regulated by the unidirectional signal k1/VS
: .:
inversely proportional to combine speed, the average voltage ~ -of the chopper output pulses is an analog of: -T VS ~qua~ ] ~ Vl e~ s(~on~kl) ~]~ ~
~ Such ratio of grain frequency to ground speed is typically in , .
units of bushels per foot, and considering the constant width of the combine header, it is also an analog of grain loss per unit area in such typical units as bushels per acre. The average voltage of the chopper output pulses is determined in an ::
- 4 - ~
10434;~9 averaging circuit as an indication of processing efficiency and is displayed wi~h respect to a reference level on a meter in view of the combine operator who may then maintain com~ine speed at a value which will recover the preset percentage of grain for - the particular crop conditions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
:
Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawing, a known combine-thresher may have a cutting bar 10 which cuts the standing crop and a reel 11 which feeds the cut crop to a header (not shown) 10 where a rotating auger 12 moves the material to the center of the header and feeds it to a rotating feeder beater 14. The material delivered from beater 14 may pass between a concave 16 and a rotating thresher cylinder 18 having thresher bars 19 which beat the crop material. The majority of the grains and ~ part of the chaff fall through the open concave 16 onto a s lower raddle (not shown), and the grain may then be conveyed - -; to an upper raddle, or front separator 20. A rotating wing-type thresher beater 21 agitates the material after it leaves the cylinder 18 and directs it to the upper raddle 20 while 20 keeping most of the straw in suspension and allowing the grains to fall between the raddle slats 23 as the material i8 carried over a false bottom 25 to a high point in the front separator. The clean grain falls through the suspended straw and is delivered on to a shaker-type cleaning shoe 27.
A second rotating wing-type beater 28 may agitate the straw as it leaves the upper raddle 20 and delivers it on to the oscillating straw walkers 30 which move the straw and chaff and remaining threshed grain in a series of steps toward the discharge end of the combine. Loose grain released from 30 the straw-chaff grain mixture sifts down and falls through opening~ in the straw walkers 30 onto a downwardly inclined ..
", . , , : . .
~0434;~9 chute 32 which delivers the grain to the forward end of shoe 27. Cleaning shoe 27 may include a vibratory return pan 34, a vibrating chaffer sieve 35 suspended at one end of return pan 34, and a vibratory cleaning sieve 37 suspended under chaffer sieve 35. The grain and chaff falling off return pan 34 drop onto chaffer siève 35, and the grain falls through sieves 35 and 37 and is collected by an auger 38 and transported by a clean grain conveyor 40 to a bin 41.
A walker impàct sensor electrical transducer WS
such as a piezoelectric element may be mounted beneath the ~, perforated screen 43 (see Figs. 6 and 9) adjacent the discharge end of each end straw walker 30 wherein it is in the path of grain falling -through the screen 43 to the ground.
A similar shoe electrical transducer SS may be mounted on a support bracket 44 (see Figs. 6, 7 and 8) and below the chaffer and cleaning sieves 35 and 37 in the path of grain kernels which may falI therefrom onto the ground. A plurality of laterally -spaced horizontally extending fingers 45 may be affixed to ~-~
cleaning shoe 27 above shoe sensor SS which convey the chaff 20 rearwardly beyond the shoe sensor while permitting grain -~
kernels to fall between the fingers 45 and impact on the sensor SS. . -,-.-Block Dlagram Description Referring to Fig. 2, a manual switch SW1 permits ;
the combine operator to select the walker sensor WS or the shoe sensor SS, or both. Assume that the operator selects -~
the walker sensor WS which generates a pulse vg (also shown ~ ;-in Fig. 3a) each time it is struck by a grain kernel. A
Schmitt trigger circuit ST1 receives the variable frequency pulses from transducer WS and discriminates between those resulting rom chaff and grain by switching to the opposite ,'. '' ' ' . ~ , . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
10434;19 state to generate a square wave pulse vg'shown in Fig. 3b only when the pulse vg is of sufficient magnitude to be caused by a grain kernel. Each grain loss rate pulse vg' is applied to a differentiator DIFF 1 to derive a spike pulse vgll that "sets" a monostable multivibrator MONO which switches to its unstable state for a predetermined period on) The fixed width pulse from one-shot MONO is an input to chopper circuit CHOP. A manual switch SW2 permits selection of the range of processing efficiency (grain loss rate/acre) by changing the period Ton of one-shot MONO to thereby vary the "on-time" of chopper circuit CHOP given a constant loss rate Vg.
A tachometer TACH preferably of the reluctance proximity type driven by the wheels of the combine generates tachometer signals VS shown in Fig. 4a whose frequency is directly proportional to combine ground speed. The tachometer signal VS is converted to a square wave pulse vs' shown in Fig. 4b by a Schmitt trigger circuit ST2. The positive-going edge of each pulse vs' is converted by-a differentiator DIFF 2 into a spike pulse vs'' shown in Fig. 4. Each spike pulse vs'' resets a period timed integrator INTEG to zero and triggers it to initiate a ramp voltage vs''' shown in Fig. 4d which increases from zero linearly until the integrator ~ is again reset by a succeeding spike pulse vs".
,! The loss/acre signal (Vg~Vs) will vary widely --with the~variety of crop, being lower in corn or soybeans than in small grains or grain sorghum. Stated another way, a far larger number of kernels of wheat will impact upon the sensor per foot of combine travel than if the crop is corn.
Setting of a low, medium or high range of loss per acre is accomplished by ad~ust~ng manual switch SW2 to thereby --,~ - , . . . .. . . .. . . . .
regulate the period of one-shot multivibrator MONO. Selec-tion of a setpoint within the range established by switch SW2 is accomplished by adjusting rheostat RHl to thereby vary the rate k1 at which the ramp speed signals vs''' increase with time (i.e., by varying the slope of the ramp signals vs'''). The relative amplification of signal Vs~Vs is thus accomplished by adjustment of the "on time" Ton and slope k1 to account for different crops and variations in harvesting conditions.
The ramp signals vs''' from integrator INTEG are coupled to a peak detector PD which derives a unidirectional signal k1/VS shown in Fig. 4e inversely proportional to the frequency of the tachometer pulses vs, and thus inversely proportional to combine ground speed.
The preferred embodiment utilizes the PFM multiplier or chopper CHOP to accomplish division of the grain loss rate ~, signal Vg by the ground speed signal Vs. Neither the signal Vg per se or the signal Vs per se are derived. Circuit CHOP derives an analog of the product of (Vg~Ton) and (k1/VS) ~-~
to effect division of grain loss rate by combine speed. In chopper CHOP the fixed width, variable frequency one-shot pulses (whose frequency is established by grain kernels striking sensor WS), in effect, chop the variable voltage (kl/VS) which is inversely proportional to combine ground speed.
Since the chopper CHOP is turned on and off by the one-shot output pulses, the period T of the chopper is equal to the variable length grain loss period between grain kernels striking sensor WS. The on-time Ton of the chopper CHOP is established - ;
by the constant width of the one-shot output pulses. The 3~ peak voltage of the chopper is controlled by the signal (k1/VS) which i~ inversely proportional to combine ground speed.
gince the grain 1088 signal Vg is directly proportional to the , . . .
, frequency of grains and inversely proportional to the variable length grain loss period T, or (Vg~v1/T) the average voltage of the output pulses from chopper CHOP is an analog of (kl.Ton) (Vg/Vs), i.e., a direct analog of grain loss rate and an inverse function of combine ground speed and is independent of time.
The output pulses from chopper circuit CHOP are applied to an averaging circuit AVG which derives a uni-directional signal proportional to the average voltage of the chopper output pulses.
The average voltage of the chopper output pulses is displayed on an analog meter. The loss/acre setpoint is defined for each setting of the range switch SW2 and setpoint ~,;
rheostat RHl by the ratio Vg/Vs which will produce mid-scale meter deflection. Similarly the null or mid-scale meter deflection corrésponds to a particular average voltage ~ output from the chopper CHOP. Therefore, in order to select i a particular ratio Vg/Vs as the loss/acre setpoint, the scaling constant (k1.Ton) must be adjusted such that k~. Ton(V--S)-cons~
Once the range switch and setpoint rheostat positions have been established, the meter indicates the percent change in V /Vs ratio by scale markings on the meter over a range of +100 percent of the loss/acre setpoint.
When the ground speed is such that the processing - -efficiency (loss/acre) of the combine for the particular crop being harvested is equal to that selected by the combine operator on switch SW2 as adjusted by rheostat RH1, the meter will indicate a "null" condition and the average voltage of the chopper output pulses will equal the voltage requlred to drive the meter to mid-scale "null" position.
_ g _ .. :; ,...... . .. . . .
If the crop conditions change so that grain loss/acre varies up or down, the percent variation is indicated by the meter and thus informs the operator to alter his speed so as to return the loss/acre to the desired value.
Circuit Diagram Description Grain Signal Section Switch SW1 permits the combine operator to alternatively connect the shoe sensor SS or the walker sensor WS, or both, to Schmitt trigger ST1 including an operational amplifier OP1 shown in Fig. 5. The signal shown in Fig. 3a generated when the sensor WS or SS is struck by the grain kernels, chaff and straw is variable in frequency and magnitude. The sensor output signal vg resulting from a grain kernel impacting on the sensor is higher in amplitude and frequency than that from the chaff, and frequency discrimina-tion between transducer output pulses resulting from grain and from chaff is accomplished by applying the sensor output signal to the inverting input of amplifier OP1 through a band pass filter having a low frequency cutoff section comprising a capacitor C1 and a resistor R2 and a high frequency cutoff section comprising a capacitor C4 and a resistance R5. The triggering level of amplifier OP1 is established by positive feedback through the resistor-divider combination R4, R3. The obtput voltage swing of amplifier OP1 ~ is dlvided by the R4, R3 combination with the resulting -, 3, divided-voltage-applied--as a re-ference-voltage to the non-inverting-input.- m is change in voltage must be exceeded by the signal vg applied to the inverting input for amplifier OP1 -to switch states.
::
The constant voltage power supply includes a uni-directional voltage source BATT having its negative terminal ;
.
' ' , ' , ~ .. , .. ~, . .
grounded and its positive terminal connected to terminal +12V
through a manual switch SW3, a choke CH1, a diode D1, and a series voltage regulating transistor Q1 having a voltage reference Zener diode ~2 connected between its base and ground. Choke CH1 suppresses radio frequency transients.
Assume switch SW1 is set to utilize the walker sensor WS only, as shown in Fig. 5. If the magnitude of the `3 sensor output signal coupled to the inverting input of amplifier OP1 when sensor WS is struck by a grain kernel is 10 higher than the reference voltage on its noninverting input, `. the output of amplifier.OP1 will be switched negative to generate a square pulse vg-, The negative-going pulse vg' from amplifier OP1 is coupled through differentiating circuit DIFF 1 comprising a capacitor C14 in series with a resistor -R41 to generate a spike pulse vgll which is applied to the base of a transistor Q8 and turns it on to "set" a one-shot, or monostable multivibrator MONO. Amplifier OP1 thus amplitude discriminates between transducer output signals . caused by grain and by chaff striking sensor WS and switches . ~-20 its output negative only when the sensor output signal is . :
of sufficient magnitude to be caused by a grain kernel. - - .
; A capacitor C13 connected in series with a resis- - ~.
tance R38 between ground and the +12V supply is normally charged to a positive potential. Conduction by translstor Q8, f when it is turned on by spike pulse vg", transfers charge ~, from C13 through collector resistance-R37--to-charge a ---- -- ;
capacitor C15 to a positive potential.
The output of one-shot MONO is derived at the -~ collector of NPN transistor Q9 which is normally forward 30 biased into conduction from the +12V source through one of the resistors R9, R10 or R11 selected by range setting switch .. ..
1~)4343~9 SW2. The emitter of Q9 is grounded so its collector is normally at a low voltage. When spike pulse vg" disappears and Q8 turns off, the resulting change of voltage on capacitor C15 results in a potential negative with respect to ground being applied to the base of Q9 so that it turns off to generate the leading positive-going edge of the one-shot output pulse at its collector. Capacitor C15 then discharges through R9, R10 or R11 at a rate corresponding to the low, medium or high setting of range selector switch SW2. Transistor Q9 remains off until capacitor C15 discharges , to approximately 0.6 volt in the reverse direction at which voltage transistor Q9 returns to the on state. The period of one-shot MONO is determined by the rate at which C15 discharges which is established by the setting of range switch SW2. The ' nostable output pulse generated at the collector of Q9 is ', amplified by transistors Q7 and Ql O to accomplish the chopping of the peak detector output unidirectional voltage ,~` ,(kj/VS) applied at point X to the collector of chopper transistor Ql O . The emitter of normally conducting chopper transistor Q10 is grounded so that its collector is clamped to ground during the off-time of chopper CHOP, and Q10 is ' turned off to initiate the on-time Ton of the variable frequen,cy-~hopper pulses derived at its collector.
'' - , Combine Speed Section , '~'' ' The frequency of the output signal VS (shown in ~ -' Fig. 4a) ,from tachometer TACH is proportional to combine ' , ground speed and is applied to the inverting input of an operational amplifier OP3 of Schmitt trigger circuit ST2 ~-, , through a low frequency cutoff filter section C12-R25 and ',' 30 al80 through a high frequency cutoff filter section R47-C11. The tachometer output voltage increases with combine speed, and high frequency cutoff~filter section R47-C11 ~ -~ - 12 -",; " " ~ i .. ' " ,. .,:,', . .,''''':',, .' : .' '',' ,'.' ,".' ' ', :."': ' ":
~ ~0~3439 attenuates linearly with increase in input frequency so that amplifier OP3 receives a variable frequency input VS
of approximately constant voltage on its inverting input.
The triggering level for amplifier OP3 is established by positive feedback through a resistor-divider combination R30-RS1. The output voltage swing of amplifier OP3 is divided by the R30-R51 combination and applied as a reference voltage to the noninverting input. When the magnitude of tachometer signal VS applied to the inverting input becomes more positive than the predetermined switching level, the output of amplifier OP3 switches to generate a square wave vs' shown in Fig. 4b.
The positive-going edge of each pulse vs' from amplifier OP3 is converted by differentiator DIFF 2 including , capacitor C8 and resistance R28 into a positive-going spike pulse vs" shown in Fig. 4c. Each spike pulse vs" turns on an NPN transistor Q2 of a period timed integrator circuit INTEG, and conduction by transistor Q2 short circuits a capacitor C5 to reset integrator circuit INTEG to zero. When transistor Q2 turns off at the end of the spike pulse vs", capacitor C5 begins to charge from zero to generate a ramp voltage vs''' shown in Fig. 4d which increases linearly with time until the ~ integrator INTEG is again reset by a succeeding spike pulse `~ V8". Capacitor C5 is charged from a constant current source which includes a PNP transistor Q3 whose base voltage is regulated by loss per acre setting rheostat RH1. Adjustment ; of rheostat RH1 varies the magnitude of charging current to -~
t capacitor C5 and thus changes the slope k1, of ramp signals v8'''.
The ramp signals v8''' derived across C5 are coupled through an input resistance R24 to peak detector .:
.. . .. . . . . . . ..
10434;19 - PD which includes a unidirectional differential amplifier having a pair of transistors Qll, Q12 differentially connected and the ramp signals coupled to the base of Qll. The peak detector output signal k1/VS is derived at point Y which is coupled through feedback resistor R16 to the base of Ql 2 and also coupled through a resistance R32 to the collector of chopper transistor Q10. The differential amplifier Qll, Q12 controls the voltage across a capacitor C6 which is coupled to point Y through an emitter follower transistor Q4 with the voltage developed across emitter resistance R15 applied to point Y. The peak detector acts to hold the peak voltage of Vs''', which appears at point H, during the time interval ` until the next peak occurs. The differential amplifier only -ntracks" when the voltage at point H is more positive than that of point Y, thereby turning on Qll which conducts to turn on ~-transistor Q6. Charging current then flows through the emitter-v collector circuit of Q6 to charge C6. When the voltage at -- -point Y is greater than that at point H, Q12 turns on and Qll -and Q6 turn off, and C6 discharges through resistance R23 to 20 ground so that the voltage k1/VS at point Y decays as shown by ` the portion DE in Fig. 4e.
Chopper transistor Q10 is normally conducting so ~, ;
its collector is clamped to ground, which establishes the off voltage of the chopper. The chopper period is equal to the variable grain loss period T, the chopper on-time is estab-lished by-the fixed width Ton f the pulses from one-shot - ~ -~
' MONO, and the peak voltage of the chopper output pulses is ~ --equal to the signal k~/VS from peak detector PD applied to the ~ ;
collector of Q10. Consequently the average voltage of the 30 chopper output pulses is an analog of Ton/T times k1/VS. ~;
. .
.
' ' ; " , ,: , .. . . ,.. , -:, ~
.. .. . ..
1043~3.9 The chopper output pulses derived at point X are translated up in voltage by collector resistors R22 and R14 and filtered by a capacitor C7. The potential across averaging capacitor C7 is applied to the noninverting input of an operational amplifier OP4 whose output is coupled to the base of a current gain amplifier AMP
preferably comprising an emitter follower transistor Q5.
Operational amplifier OP4 may be considered to be a high impedance coupling device which permits the average voltage of the chopper output pulses appearing at point X to be averaged with a high impedance ~filter and then reproduced at the emitter of Q5 with a low source impedance. The average voltage of the chopper output pulses appearing at the emitter of Q5 is applied across a METER in series with a resistance R18 and produces a deflection of the meter pointer propor- , tional to the average voltage out of the chopper.
The potential at the emitter of Q5 is also trans-~' lated up in voltage by resistors R20 and R21, and operational ~ -amplifier OP4 compares the voltage at point W at the junction of R14, R22 with the voltage at point ~ at the junction of R20, R21 and controls the base current into Q5 so that these voltages are equal. Both resistance voltage dividers R14, R22 and R20, R21 are referenced to the supply voltage and . thus have equal voltage across the whole divider to assure that the divided voltages at joints W and ~ are equal.
Consequently the average voltage of the chopper output appears at the emitter of transistor Q5 and is displayed on the METER.
The METER preferably has a mid-scale indicia that represents a null point and markings on either side of mia-scale to indicate deviations from null. The ., combine operator initially sets the null point by operating the combine at a speed which will produce the desired loss per acre and then adjusting range switch SW2 and rheostat RH1 to yield a null reading on the MæTER. Subsequent operation of the combine will result in the meter pointer indicating the percent deviation of loss per acre from the null setpoint (as defined by the settings of SW2 and RH1).
Reduction in loss per acre as indicated by deflection of the METER pointer below the mid-scale nullpoint will inform the operator that combine speed can be increased to again bring the loss per acre to the setpoint value. Conversely, an - increase in loss per acre indicated by the pointer of the METER reading above the nullpoint informs the opèrator that ', combine speed can be reduced to again bring loss per acre to the setpoint value.
Switch SW2 and rheostat R~1 permit setting of grain loss rate per acre over a relatively wide range (in the order -~ of 100 to 1) to permit monitoring of processing efficiency .3 for crops like rice and oats having a relatively large number of grains per acre impact upon sensor WS as well as for crops ,~ similar to soybeans and corn wherein a relatively small ~
., ~ ..
~ number of grains per acre strike the sensor. The monitor '5 of the invention provides approximately the same accuracy , of reading over the wide range of processing efficiencies j by utilizing the constant null point setting in each crop ~ condition.
.
While only a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it should be understood j that we do not intend to be limited to the single embodiment 1 30 for many modifications and variations thereof will be obvious .... ..
, to those skilled in the art.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a typical combine the grain loss at the shoe and at the walker increases exponentially with feedrate.
Variations in crop density during combine operation directly change feedrate, and consequently the grain loss varies.
Since feedrate is also a direct function of combine speed, the combine operator can offset such change in loss by altering the operating speed. In an attempt to minimize - ;' ~, the human error in monitoring the separation process, grain ,, loss monitors have been developed of the type disclosed in ~ ' :i , U.S. patents 3,593,?20 to J. R. Botterill and 3,606,745 to ' , J. C. F. Girodat which detect the number of grain kernels -' passing per unit time at the discharge end of the walker or of the shoe. However, such known monitors do not indicate ', whether the combine is being used to maximum processing ,~ 20 efficiency since they do not take combine ground speed into account. Grain loss monitors which measure the number of grains passing a sensor per unit time may read 1 at a 1 mile pe,r hour (mph) which is equivaIent to a reading of 3 at 3 mph ~; and a reading of 5 at S mph. Five times the acreage is covered by the combine in one hour at 5 mph as compared to 1 mph, and the grain loss is spread over five times the area, and' ¦ consequently, the processing efficiency is five times higher at 5 mph than at 1 mph.
S It is common practice to judge processin~ quality -.. - .
3 30 by measuring los~ per area which actually is the number of , kernels per acre after processing. The combine operator ,~
, ~043439 cannot sense the loss per area and thus cannot accurately adjust combine speed so as to maintain the same processing quality in the presence of crop variations. The use of loss per acre as a measure of processing quality i~ an optimal type control in that increased loss presents a cost to the farmer while operation at a lower than acceptable feedrate extends the time required for harvesting and the number of machine operating hours.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
,.. ... .
It is an object of the invention to provide an im-proved grain loss monitor for a harvesting combine which direct-ly indicates processing efficiency to the combine operator.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved grain loss monitor for a harvesting combine which takes combine ground speed into account and provides a reading ^` of percent grain Ioss per acre relative to an arbitrary setpoint ~
which is independent of time. ~-A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved grain loss monitor whose output reading is directly -`
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, 20 related to cost and is in units in which a farmer customarily ~-thinks. ~-, It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved grain loss monitor for a harvesting combine which -indicates grain loss per unit area over a wide range of processing efficiencies with the same sensitivity over the `- -entire range. Another object is to provide such an improved 'i grain loss monitor which is adjustable to indicate grain loss per unit area for crops requiring low threshing cylinder gpeeds such as corn and soybeans as well as for crops requiring relatively high threshing cylinder speeds such as , oat~ and rice and which provides the same sensitivity of reading regardless of combine cylinder speed.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when considered in con~unction with the accompanying drawing wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a known harvesting combine on which the grain loss monitor of the invention is mounted;
Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the grain loss monitor of the invention;
;~ Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate voltage pulses at different points in the grain rate signal portion of the monitor resulting from grain and chaff striking the sensor;
Figs. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e respectively illustrate signals at different points in the ground speed signal portion of the monitor which receives signals from a tachometer driven ~ by the combine;
- Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram of the grain loss monitor ; of the invention; -~
Fig. 6 is a side view of a portion of the combine of -Fig. 1 carrying the walker sensor and the shoe sensor; and Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are views taken respectively along lines VII-VII, VIII-VIII and IX-IX of Fig. 6 illustrating the preferred mounting of the shoe sensor and the walker sensor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention a grain loss per unit area monitor for a variable speed combine adapted to harvest a crop and recover grain therefrom comprises the combination of means including an electrical transducer adapted to be positioned in the flow path of grain in said combine for generating a grain flow rate signal which is a function of the ~ _ 3 _ ~. , . . ;, . , .. , . . .:
number of grains of said crop impinging on said transducer, means for deriving a ground speed signal which is a function of the ground speed of said combine, and means for deriving a signal which is the analog of said grain flow rate signal divided by said ground speed signal, whereby said analog signal is indicative of grain loss per unit area and is independent of time.
The grain loss monitor of the invention derives:
(1) a grain loss rate signal Vg which is a function of the number of grains per unit time that impinge upon an electrical : transducer, and (2) a ground speed signal Vs proportional to the ground speed of the combine and divides Vg by Vs to provide an analog of 9rAin 10RS per unit areA which is .
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10434;~9 independent of time. The preferred embodiment accomplishes such division in a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) chopper circuit which multiplies the grain loss rate signal Vg by a unidirectional voltage kl/VS inversely proportional to the frequency of pulses from a tachometer driven by the combine wheels.
Grains impinging upon the transducer generate pulses which trigger a one-shot multivibrator to generate output pulses of fixed width (Ton). A period timed integrator 10 is triggered by each tachometer pulse to initiate a ramp signal, and a peak detector senses the peak voltages of the ramp signals to derive the unidirectional voltage k1/VS
inversely proportional to combine speed. The chopper circuit ; is turned on and off by the fixed width one-shot output pulses and its peak voltage is controlled by the unidirectional signal k1/vs.
Since the variable length grain loss period (T~1/Vg) of the chopper is established by the frequency of grains impinging upon the transducer and the chopper is turned on ~0 by the one-shot output pulses of fixed width (Ton) and its peak voltage is regulated by the unidirectional signal k1/VS
: .:
inversely proportional to combine speed, the average voltage ~ -of the chopper output pulses is an analog of: -T VS ~qua~ ] ~ Vl e~ s(~on~kl) ~]~ ~
~ Such ratio of grain frequency to ground speed is typically in , .
units of bushels per foot, and considering the constant width of the combine header, it is also an analog of grain loss per unit area in such typical units as bushels per acre. The average voltage of the chopper output pulses is determined in an ::
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10434;~9 averaging circuit as an indication of processing efficiency and is displayed wi~h respect to a reference level on a meter in view of the combine operator who may then maintain com~ine speed at a value which will recover the preset percentage of grain for - the particular crop conditions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
:
Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawing, a known combine-thresher may have a cutting bar 10 which cuts the standing crop and a reel 11 which feeds the cut crop to a header (not shown) 10 where a rotating auger 12 moves the material to the center of the header and feeds it to a rotating feeder beater 14. The material delivered from beater 14 may pass between a concave 16 and a rotating thresher cylinder 18 having thresher bars 19 which beat the crop material. The majority of the grains and ~ part of the chaff fall through the open concave 16 onto a s lower raddle (not shown), and the grain may then be conveyed - -; to an upper raddle, or front separator 20. A rotating wing-type thresher beater 21 agitates the material after it leaves the cylinder 18 and directs it to the upper raddle 20 while 20 keeping most of the straw in suspension and allowing the grains to fall between the raddle slats 23 as the material i8 carried over a false bottom 25 to a high point in the front separator. The clean grain falls through the suspended straw and is delivered on to a shaker-type cleaning shoe 27.
A second rotating wing-type beater 28 may agitate the straw as it leaves the upper raddle 20 and delivers it on to the oscillating straw walkers 30 which move the straw and chaff and remaining threshed grain in a series of steps toward the discharge end of the combine. Loose grain released from 30 the straw-chaff grain mixture sifts down and falls through opening~ in the straw walkers 30 onto a downwardly inclined ..
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~0434;~9 chute 32 which delivers the grain to the forward end of shoe 27. Cleaning shoe 27 may include a vibratory return pan 34, a vibrating chaffer sieve 35 suspended at one end of return pan 34, and a vibratory cleaning sieve 37 suspended under chaffer sieve 35. The grain and chaff falling off return pan 34 drop onto chaffer siève 35, and the grain falls through sieves 35 and 37 and is collected by an auger 38 and transported by a clean grain conveyor 40 to a bin 41.
A walker impàct sensor electrical transducer WS
such as a piezoelectric element may be mounted beneath the ~, perforated screen 43 (see Figs. 6 and 9) adjacent the discharge end of each end straw walker 30 wherein it is in the path of grain falling -through the screen 43 to the ground.
A similar shoe electrical transducer SS may be mounted on a support bracket 44 (see Figs. 6, 7 and 8) and below the chaffer and cleaning sieves 35 and 37 in the path of grain kernels which may falI therefrom onto the ground. A plurality of laterally -spaced horizontally extending fingers 45 may be affixed to ~-~
cleaning shoe 27 above shoe sensor SS which convey the chaff 20 rearwardly beyond the shoe sensor while permitting grain -~
kernels to fall between the fingers 45 and impact on the sensor SS. . -,-.-Block Dlagram Description Referring to Fig. 2, a manual switch SW1 permits ;
the combine operator to select the walker sensor WS or the shoe sensor SS, or both. Assume that the operator selects -~
the walker sensor WS which generates a pulse vg (also shown ~ ;-in Fig. 3a) each time it is struck by a grain kernel. A
Schmitt trigger circuit ST1 receives the variable frequency pulses from transducer WS and discriminates between those resulting rom chaff and grain by switching to the opposite ,'. '' ' ' . ~ , . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
10434;19 state to generate a square wave pulse vg'shown in Fig. 3b only when the pulse vg is of sufficient magnitude to be caused by a grain kernel. Each grain loss rate pulse vg' is applied to a differentiator DIFF 1 to derive a spike pulse vgll that "sets" a monostable multivibrator MONO which switches to its unstable state for a predetermined period on) The fixed width pulse from one-shot MONO is an input to chopper circuit CHOP. A manual switch SW2 permits selection of the range of processing efficiency (grain loss rate/acre) by changing the period Ton of one-shot MONO to thereby vary the "on-time" of chopper circuit CHOP given a constant loss rate Vg.
A tachometer TACH preferably of the reluctance proximity type driven by the wheels of the combine generates tachometer signals VS shown in Fig. 4a whose frequency is directly proportional to combine ground speed. The tachometer signal VS is converted to a square wave pulse vs' shown in Fig. 4b by a Schmitt trigger circuit ST2. The positive-going edge of each pulse vs' is converted by-a differentiator DIFF 2 into a spike pulse vs'' shown in Fig. 4. Each spike pulse vs'' resets a period timed integrator INTEG to zero and triggers it to initiate a ramp voltage vs''' shown in Fig. 4d which increases from zero linearly until the integrator ~ is again reset by a succeeding spike pulse vs".
,! The loss/acre signal (Vg~Vs) will vary widely --with the~variety of crop, being lower in corn or soybeans than in small grains or grain sorghum. Stated another way, a far larger number of kernels of wheat will impact upon the sensor per foot of combine travel than if the crop is corn.
Setting of a low, medium or high range of loss per acre is accomplished by ad~ust~ng manual switch SW2 to thereby --,~ - , . . . .. . . .. . . . .
regulate the period of one-shot multivibrator MONO. Selec-tion of a setpoint within the range established by switch SW2 is accomplished by adjusting rheostat RHl to thereby vary the rate k1 at which the ramp speed signals vs''' increase with time (i.e., by varying the slope of the ramp signals vs'''). The relative amplification of signal Vs~Vs is thus accomplished by adjustment of the "on time" Ton and slope k1 to account for different crops and variations in harvesting conditions.
The ramp signals vs''' from integrator INTEG are coupled to a peak detector PD which derives a unidirectional signal k1/VS shown in Fig. 4e inversely proportional to the frequency of the tachometer pulses vs, and thus inversely proportional to combine ground speed.
The preferred embodiment utilizes the PFM multiplier or chopper CHOP to accomplish division of the grain loss rate ~, signal Vg by the ground speed signal Vs. Neither the signal Vg per se or the signal Vs per se are derived. Circuit CHOP derives an analog of the product of (Vg~Ton) and (k1/VS) ~-~
to effect division of grain loss rate by combine speed. In chopper CHOP the fixed width, variable frequency one-shot pulses (whose frequency is established by grain kernels striking sensor WS), in effect, chop the variable voltage (kl/VS) which is inversely proportional to combine ground speed.
Since the chopper CHOP is turned on and off by the one-shot output pulses, the period T of the chopper is equal to the variable length grain loss period between grain kernels striking sensor WS. The on-time Ton of the chopper CHOP is established - ;
by the constant width of the one-shot output pulses. The 3~ peak voltage of the chopper is controlled by the signal (k1/VS) which i~ inversely proportional to combine ground speed.
gince the grain 1088 signal Vg is directly proportional to the , . . .
, frequency of grains and inversely proportional to the variable length grain loss period T, or (Vg~v1/T) the average voltage of the output pulses from chopper CHOP is an analog of (kl.Ton) (Vg/Vs), i.e., a direct analog of grain loss rate and an inverse function of combine ground speed and is independent of time.
The output pulses from chopper circuit CHOP are applied to an averaging circuit AVG which derives a uni-directional signal proportional to the average voltage of the chopper output pulses.
The average voltage of the chopper output pulses is displayed on an analog meter. The loss/acre setpoint is defined for each setting of the range switch SW2 and setpoint ~,;
rheostat RHl by the ratio Vg/Vs which will produce mid-scale meter deflection. Similarly the null or mid-scale meter deflection corrésponds to a particular average voltage ~ output from the chopper CHOP. Therefore, in order to select i a particular ratio Vg/Vs as the loss/acre setpoint, the scaling constant (k1.Ton) must be adjusted such that k~. Ton(V--S)-cons~
Once the range switch and setpoint rheostat positions have been established, the meter indicates the percent change in V /Vs ratio by scale markings on the meter over a range of +100 percent of the loss/acre setpoint.
When the ground speed is such that the processing - -efficiency (loss/acre) of the combine for the particular crop being harvested is equal to that selected by the combine operator on switch SW2 as adjusted by rheostat RH1, the meter will indicate a "null" condition and the average voltage of the chopper output pulses will equal the voltage requlred to drive the meter to mid-scale "null" position.
_ g _ .. :; ,...... . .. . . .
If the crop conditions change so that grain loss/acre varies up or down, the percent variation is indicated by the meter and thus informs the operator to alter his speed so as to return the loss/acre to the desired value.
Circuit Diagram Description Grain Signal Section Switch SW1 permits the combine operator to alternatively connect the shoe sensor SS or the walker sensor WS, or both, to Schmitt trigger ST1 including an operational amplifier OP1 shown in Fig. 5. The signal shown in Fig. 3a generated when the sensor WS or SS is struck by the grain kernels, chaff and straw is variable in frequency and magnitude. The sensor output signal vg resulting from a grain kernel impacting on the sensor is higher in amplitude and frequency than that from the chaff, and frequency discrimina-tion between transducer output pulses resulting from grain and from chaff is accomplished by applying the sensor output signal to the inverting input of amplifier OP1 through a band pass filter having a low frequency cutoff section comprising a capacitor C1 and a resistor R2 and a high frequency cutoff section comprising a capacitor C4 and a resistance R5. The triggering level of amplifier OP1 is established by positive feedback through the resistor-divider combination R4, R3. The obtput voltage swing of amplifier OP1 ~ is dlvided by the R4, R3 combination with the resulting -, 3, divided-voltage-applied--as a re-ference-voltage to the non-inverting-input.- m is change in voltage must be exceeded by the signal vg applied to the inverting input for amplifier OP1 -to switch states.
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The constant voltage power supply includes a uni-directional voltage source BATT having its negative terminal ;
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grounded and its positive terminal connected to terminal +12V
through a manual switch SW3, a choke CH1, a diode D1, and a series voltage regulating transistor Q1 having a voltage reference Zener diode ~2 connected between its base and ground. Choke CH1 suppresses radio frequency transients.
Assume switch SW1 is set to utilize the walker sensor WS only, as shown in Fig. 5. If the magnitude of the `3 sensor output signal coupled to the inverting input of amplifier OP1 when sensor WS is struck by a grain kernel is 10 higher than the reference voltage on its noninverting input, `. the output of amplifier.OP1 will be switched negative to generate a square pulse vg-, The negative-going pulse vg' from amplifier OP1 is coupled through differentiating circuit DIFF 1 comprising a capacitor C14 in series with a resistor -R41 to generate a spike pulse vgll which is applied to the base of a transistor Q8 and turns it on to "set" a one-shot, or monostable multivibrator MONO. Amplifier OP1 thus amplitude discriminates between transducer output signals . caused by grain and by chaff striking sensor WS and switches . ~-20 its output negative only when the sensor output signal is . :
of sufficient magnitude to be caused by a grain kernel. - - .
; A capacitor C13 connected in series with a resis- - ~.
tance R38 between ground and the +12V supply is normally charged to a positive potential. Conduction by translstor Q8, f when it is turned on by spike pulse vg", transfers charge ~, from C13 through collector resistance-R37--to-charge a ---- -- ;
capacitor C15 to a positive potential.
The output of one-shot MONO is derived at the -~ collector of NPN transistor Q9 which is normally forward 30 biased into conduction from the +12V source through one of the resistors R9, R10 or R11 selected by range setting switch .. ..
1~)4343~9 SW2. The emitter of Q9 is grounded so its collector is normally at a low voltage. When spike pulse vg" disappears and Q8 turns off, the resulting change of voltage on capacitor C15 results in a potential negative with respect to ground being applied to the base of Q9 so that it turns off to generate the leading positive-going edge of the one-shot output pulse at its collector. Capacitor C15 then discharges through R9, R10 or R11 at a rate corresponding to the low, medium or high setting of range selector switch SW2. Transistor Q9 remains off until capacitor C15 discharges , to approximately 0.6 volt in the reverse direction at which voltage transistor Q9 returns to the on state. The period of one-shot MONO is determined by the rate at which C15 discharges which is established by the setting of range switch SW2. The ' nostable output pulse generated at the collector of Q9 is ', amplified by transistors Q7 and Ql O to accomplish the chopping of the peak detector output unidirectional voltage ,~` ,(kj/VS) applied at point X to the collector of chopper transistor Ql O . The emitter of normally conducting chopper transistor Q10 is grounded so that its collector is clamped to ground during the off-time of chopper CHOP, and Q10 is ' turned off to initiate the on-time Ton of the variable frequen,cy-~hopper pulses derived at its collector.
'' - , Combine Speed Section , '~'' ' The frequency of the output signal VS (shown in ~ -' Fig. 4a) ,from tachometer TACH is proportional to combine ' , ground speed and is applied to the inverting input of an operational amplifier OP3 of Schmitt trigger circuit ST2 ~-, , through a low frequency cutoff filter section C12-R25 and ',' 30 al80 through a high frequency cutoff filter section R47-C11. The tachometer output voltage increases with combine speed, and high frequency cutoff~filter section R47-C11 ~ -~ - 12 -",; " " ~ i .. ' " ,. .,:,', . .,''''':',, .' : .' '',' ,'.' ,".' ' ', :."': ' ":
~ ~0~3439 attenuates linearly with increase in input frequency so that amplifier OP3 receives a variable frequency input VS
of approximately constant voltage on its inverting input.
The triggering level for amplifier OP3 is established by positive feedback through a resistor-divider combination R30-RS1. The output voltage swing of amplifier OP3 is divided by the R30-R51 combination and applied as a reference voltage to the noninverting input. When the magnitude of tachometer signal VS applied to the inverting input becomes more positive than the predetermined switching level, the output of amplifier OP3 switches to generate a square wave vs' shown in Fig. 4b.
The positive-going edge of each pulse vs' from amplifier OP3 is converted by differentiator DIFF 2 including , capacitor C8 and resistance R28 into a positive-going spike pulse vs" shown in Fig. 4c. Each spike pulse vs" turns on an NPN transistor Q2 of a period timed integrator circuit INTEG, and conduction by transistor Q2 short circuits a capacitor C5 to reset integrator circuit INTEG to zero. When transistor Q2 turns off at the end of the spike pulse vs", capacitor C5 begins to charge from zero to generate a ramp voltage vs''' shown in Fig. 4d which increases linearly with time until the ~ integrator INTEG is again reset by a succeeding spike pulse `~ V8". Capacitor C5 is charged from a constant current source which includes a PNP transistor Q3 whose base voltage is regulated by loss per acre setting rheostat RH1. Adjustment ; of rheostat RH1 varies the magnitude of charging current to -~
t capacitor C5 and thus changes the slope k1, of ramp signals v8'''.
The ramp signals v8''' derived across C5 are coupled through an input resistance R24 to peak detector .:
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10434;19 - PD which includes a unidirectional differential amplifier having a pair of transistors Qll, Q12 differentially connected and the ramp signals coupled to the base of Qll. The peak detector output signal k1/VS is derived at point Y which is coupled through feedback resistor R16 to the base of Ql 2 and also coupled through a resistance R32 to the collector of chopper transistor Q10. The differential amplifier Qll, Q12 controls the voltage across a capacitor C6 which is coupled to point Y through an emitter follower transistor Q4 with the voltage developed across emitter resistance R15 applied to point Y. The peak detector acts to hold the peak voltage of Vs''', which appears at point H, during the time interval ` until the next peak occurs. The differential amplifier only -ntracks" when the voltage at point H is more positive than that of point Y, thereby turning on Qll which conducts to turn on ~-transistor Q6. Charging current then flows through the emitter-v collector circuit of Q6 to charge C6. When the voltage at -- -point Y is greater than that at point H, Q12 turns on and Qll -and Q6 turn off, and C6 discharges through resistance R23 to 20 ground so that the voltage k1/VS at point Y decays as shown by ` the portion DE in Fig. 4e.
Chopper transistor Q10 is normally conducting so ~, ;
its collector is clamped to ground, which establishes the off voltage of the chopper. The chopper period is equal to the variable grain loss period T, the chopper on-time is estab-lished by-the fixed width Ton f the pulses from one-shot - ~ -~
' MONO, and the peak voltage of the chopper output pulses is ~ --equal to the signal k~/VS from peak detector PD applied to the ~ ;
collector of Q10. Consequently the average voltage of the 30 chopper output pulses is an analog of Ton/T times k1/VS. ~;
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1043~3.9 The chopper output pulses derived at point X are translated up in voltage by collector resistors R22 and R14 and filtered by a capacitor C7. The potential across averaging capacitor C7 is applied to the noninverting input of an operational amplifier OP4 whose output is coupled to the base of a current gain amplifier AMP
preferably comprising an emitter follower transistor Q5.
Operational amplifier OP4 may be considered to be a high impedance coupling device which permits the average voltage of the chopper output pulses appearing at point X to be averaged with a high impedance ~filter and then reproduced at the emitter of Q5 with a low source impedance. The average voltage of the chopper output pulses appearing at the emitter of Q5 is applied across a METER in series with a resistance R18 and produces a deflection of the meter pointer propor- , tional to the average voltage out of the chopper.
The potential at the emitter of Q5 is also trans-~' lated up in voltage by resistors R20 and R21, and operational ~ -amplifier OP4 compares the voltage at point W at the junction of R14, R22 with the voltage at point ~ at the junction of R20, R21 and controls the base current into Q5 so that these voltages are equal. Both resistance voltage dividers R14, R22 and R20, R21 are referenced to the supply voltage and . thus have equal voltage across the whole divider to assure that the divided voltages at joints W and ~ are equal.
Consequently the average voltage of the chopper output appears at the emitter of transistor Q5 and is displayed on the METER.
The METER preferably has a mid-scale indicia that represents a null point and markings on either side of mia-scale to indicate deviations from null. The ., combine operator initially sets the null point by operating the combine at a speed which will produce the desired loss per acre and then adjusting range switch SW2 and rheostat RH1 to yield a null reading on the MæTER. Subsequent operation of the combine will result in the meter pointer indicating the percent deviation of loss per acre from the null setpoint (as defined by the settings of SW2 and RH1).
Reduction in loss per acre as indicated by deflection of the METER pointer below the mid-scale nullpoint will inform the operator that combine speed can be increased to again bring the loss per acre to the setpoint value. Conversely, an - increase in loss per acre indicated by the pointer of the METER reading above the nullpoint informs the opèrator that ', combine speed can be reduced to again bring loss per acre to the setpoint value.
Switch SW2 and rheostat R~1 permit setting of grain loss rate per acre over a relatively wide range (in the order -~ of 100 to 1) to permit monitoring of processing efficiency .3 for crops like rice and oats having a relatively large number of grains per acre impact upon sensor WS as well as for crops ,~ similar to soybeans and corn wherein a relatively small ~
., ~ ..
~ number of grains per acre strike the sensor. The monitor '5 of the invention provides approximately the same accuracy , of reading over the wide range of processing efficiencies j by utilizing the constant null point setting in each crop ~ condition.
.
While only a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it should be understood j that we do not intend to be limited to the single embodiment 1 30 for many modifications and variations thereof will be obvious .... ..
, to those skilled in the art.
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Claims (25)
1. A grain loss per unit area monitor for a variable speed combine adapted to harvest a crop and recover grain therefrom comprising, in combination, means including an electrical transducer adapted to be positioned in the flow path of grain in said combine for generating a grain flow rate signal which is a function of the number of grains of said crop impinging on said transducer, means for deriving a ground speed signal which is a function of the ground speed of said combine, and means for deriving a signal which is the analog of said grain flow rate signal divided by said ground speed signal, whereby said analog signal is indicative of grain loss per unit area and is independent of time.
2. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said grain flow rate signal comprises a succession of pulses whose frequency is a function of the number of said grains impinging on said transducer and said analog signal deriving means includes a pulse frequency modulation circuit which is modulated by said grain flow rate signal pulses.
3. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 2 wherein said ground speed signal deriving means generates a unidirectional signal which is inversely proportional to the ground speed of said combine and said frequency modulation circuit includes multiplier means for multiplying said unidirectional signal and said grain flow rate signal to derive said analog of said grain flow rate signal divided by said ground speed signal.
4. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said grain flow rate signal generating means is an electric circuit and including means for selectively varying the gain of said electric circuit to thereby permit adjustment of the range of desired grain loss per unit area, averaging means for determining the average voltage of said analog signal, and means for comparing said average voltage to a fixed setpoint reference potential and for providing a visual indication of their difference as a representation of deviation of grain loss per unit area from a desired value, whereby said monitor provides the same accuracy of indication over a range of grain loss per unit area settings.
5. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 3 and including means for selectively varying the proportionality factor (k1) between combine ground speed and the magnitude of said unidirectional signal to thereby permit adjustment of desired grain loss per unit area.
6. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 5 and including means for selectively varying the width of said grain flow rate signal pulses to thereby permit adjustment of the range of grain loss per unit area to be monitored.
7. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 6 and including averaging circuit means for deriving the average voltage of the output from said multiplier means, and means for comparing said average voltage to a reference potential and for providing a visual indication of their difference as a representation of deviation of loss per unit area from the desired magnitude established by said range adjusting means and grain loss per unit area adjusting means.
8. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 7 wherein said means for providing a visual indication includes voltmeter means having a visual indicia to which its pointer is actuated when said reference potential is applied thereto, and means for coupling said average voltage to said voltmeter means.
9. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 3 wherein said means for generating a grain flow rate signal includes one-shot multivibrator means triggered to derive fixed width output pulses in response to grains of said crop impacting upon said transducer, and said multiplier means includes a chopper whose on-time is controlled by said fixed width output pulses from said one-shot multivibrator means, said unidirectional ground speed signal controlling the peak voltage of output pulses from said chopper.
10. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 9 and including averaging circuit means for deriving a unidirectional potential equal to the average voltage of the output pulses from said chopper as an indication of the grain loss per unit area harvested by said combine.
11. A grain loss per unit area monitor for a combine comprising, in combination, means including an electrical transducer adapted to be positioned in the flow path of grain in said combine for generating a grain flow rate signal which is a function of the number of grains impacting on said transducer, means including a tachometer for deriving a unidirectional ground speed signal whose magitude is inversely proportional to the ground speed of said combine, multiplier means for deriving the product of said grain flow rate signal and said unidirectional ground speed signal, and means for indicating the magnitude of the output from said multiplier means as a representation of the grain loss per unit area harvested by said combine.
12. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 11 wherein said grain flow rate signal comprises a train of pulses whose frequency is a function of the number of said grains impacting on said transducer and said multiplier means includes a pulse frequency modulation circuit which is modulated by said grain flow rate signal pulses.
13. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 11 wherein said means for generating a grain flow rate signal includes monostable multivibrator means for deriving fixed width output pulses in response to grains impinging upon said electrical transducer, and said multiplier means includes a chopper which is turned on by said fixed width output pulses from said multivibrator, said unidirectional ground speed signal regulating the peak voltage of the output pulse from said chopper.
14. A grain loss monitor in accordance with claim 13 and including a grain loss per unit area setting means for selectively adjusting the proportionality factor between the frequency of the output pulses from said tachometer and the magnitude of said unidirectional ground speed signal.
15. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 14 and including range of grain loss per unit area setting means for selectively varying the period of said mono-stable multivibrator means to thereby permit adjustment of the width of said grain flow rate signal pulses.
16. A grain loss monitor in accordance with claim 15 wherein said means for indicating the magnitude of the output from said multiplier means includes means for determining the average voltage of said chopper output pulses, and means for providing a visual indication of the difference between said average voltage and a reference potential as a measure of the deviation of the actual loss per unit area from the desired magnitude set on said range setting means as adjusted by said loss per unit area setting means.
17. A grain loss monitor in accordance with claim 16 wherein said means for providing a visual indication includes voltmeter means having a visual indicia to which its pointer is actuated when said reference potential is applied thereto, and means for coupling said average voltage to said voltmeter means.
18. A grain loss monitor for a variable speed combine adapted to harvest a crop and recover grain therefrom comprising, in combination, electrical transducer means adapted to be positioned in the flow path of grain in said combine for generating grain flow rate pulses when grains of said crop impinge thereon, a monostable multivibrator triggered by said grain flow rate pulses to generate fixed width output pulses, tachometer means coupled to said combine for deriving tachometer pulses at a frequency which is a function of the ground speed of said combine, integrator means for deriving a unidirectional ground speed signal whose magnitude is inversely proportional to the frequency of said tachometer pulses, multiplier chopper means turned on by said fixed width output pulses from said multivibrator for chopping said unidirectional ground speed signal, and means for indicating the average voltage of the output pulses from said chopper means as an analog of grain loss per unit area harvested by said combine.
19. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 18 wherein said integrator means includes an RC
capacitor charging circuit wherein a ramp voltage built up across a capacitor in the interim between said grain flow rate pulses establishes the magnitude of said unidirectional ground speed signal, and including grain loss per unit area setting means for selectively varying the magnitude of charging current flowing into and capacitor to thereby adjust the proportionality factor between the frequency of said tachometer pulses and the magnitude of said ground speed signal.
capacitor charging circuit wherein a ramp voltage built up across a capacitor in the interim between said grain flow rate pulses establishes the magnitude of said unidirectional ground speed signal, and including grain loss per unit area setting means for selectively varying the magnitude of charging current flowing into and capacitor to thereby adjust the proportionality factor between the frequency of said tachometer pulses and the magnitude of said ground speed signal.
20. A grain loss monitor in accordance with claim 19 wherein said monostable multivibrator includes an RC capacitor charging circuit whose time constant establishes the period of said multivibrator, and including range of grain loss per unit area setting means for selectively varying the magnitude of resistance in said RC capacitor charging circuit of said multivibrator to thereby permit adjustment of the duration of said fixed width pulses.
21. A grain loss monitor in accordance with claim 18 wherein said indicating means includes averaging circuit means for deriving a unidirectional potential whose magnitude is a function of the average voltage of said chopper output pulses, and means for comparing said unidirectional potential to a reference voltage and for providing a visual indication of their difference as a representation of deviation of the loss per unit area from the desired value established on said range setting means and said loss per unit area setting means.
22. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 3 wherein said multiplier means includes a chopper which is turned on and off by said grain loss rate signal pulses, and wherein said unidirectional ground speed signal regulates the peak voltage of the output pulses from said chopper.
23. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 22 wherein said electrical transducer generates pulses when said grains of said crop impinge thereon and said means for generating a grain flow rate signal includes one-shot multivibrator means triggered by each transducer output pulse above a predetermined magnitude to apply a fixed width pulse to said chopper to turn said chopper on.
24. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 23 and including grain loss per unit area setting means for selectively varying the width of said multivibrator output pulses.
25. A grain loss per unit area monitor in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means for deriving a ground speed signal is an electric circuit which generates a signal which is inversely proportional to the ground speed of said combine, and means for selectively varying the gain of said ground speed signal deriving electrical circuit.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/536,030 US3935866A (en) | 1974-12-23 | 1974-12-23 | Grain loss monitor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1043439A true CA1043439A (en) | 1978-11-28 |
Family
ID=24136838
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA232,772A Expired CA1043439A (en) | 1974-12-23 | 1975-08-01 | Grain loss monitor |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3935866A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1043439A (en) |
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| US4004289A (en) * | 1975-12-17 | 1977-01-18 | Canadian Patents And Development Limited | Acoustic grain flow rate monitor |
| DE2608049A1 (en) * | 1976-02-27 | 1977-09-01 | Claas Maschf Gmbh Geb | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING PLANT DENSITY FOR THE CONTROL OF HARVESTING MACHINERY |
| US4130980A (en) * | 1977-01-06 | 1978-12-26 | International Harvester Company | Combine automatic travel control system |
| CA1146661A (en) * | 1977-08-17 | 1983-05-17 | Kym W. Eldredge | Grain loss indicator having a sensor member secured to a shaken with a sieve frame |
| US4490964A (en) * | 1977-08-17 | 1985-01-01 | Eldredge Kim W | Grain loss indicator |
| US4296409A (en) * | 1979-03-12 | 1981-10-20 | Dickey-John Corporation | Combine performance monitor |
| US4275546A (en) * | 1980-01-04 | 1981-06-30 | Sperry Corporation | Stone discriminator |
| US4376298A (en) * | 1980-08-06 | 1983-03-08 | Dickey-John Corporation | Combine data center |
| US4348855A (en) * | 1980-09-22 | 1982-09-14 | International Harvester Company | Crop damage responsive control of rotor speed |
| US4360998A (en) * | 1981-03-27 | 1982-11-30 | Sperry Corporation | Absolute grain loss monitor |
| US4517792A (en) * | 1982-05-07 | 1985-05-21 | Deere & Company | Grain loss monitor sensor mounting arrangement for a combine |
| KR870002158B1 (en) * | 1983-01-11 | 1987-12-14 | 구보다 덱고오 가부시기가이샤 | Combine |
| DE3375057D1 (en) * | 1983-04-15 | 1988-02-11 | New Holland Nv | Combine harvester |
| US4481756A (en) * | 1983-07-15 | 1984-11-13 | Schartz Charles O | Combine harvester |
| DD216845A1 (en) * | 1983-07-22 | 1985-01-02 | Fortschritt Veb K | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE LOSS OF HARVEST |
| US4507910A (en) * | 1983-11-21 | 1985-04-02 | Ezra C. Lundahl, Inc. | Automatic sonar activated height control for a header |
| HU196543B (en) * | 1986-08-13 | 1988-12-28 | Fortschritt Veb K | Electronic connection arrangement for controlling the technologic dates of harvester particularly the shaking and cleaning losses |
| US4961304A (en) * | 1989-10-20 | 1990-10-09 | J. I. Case Company | Cotton flow monitoring system for a cotton harvester |
| DD289826A5 (en) * | 1989-11-28 | 1991-05-08 | Saechsiche Maehdrescherwerke Ag,De | METHOD FOR PROCESSING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS |
| DE4133976A1 (en) * | 1991-10-14 | 1993-04-15 | Claas Ohg | CORE CURRENT MEASURING DEVICE, ESPECIALLY FOR HARVESTING MACHINES |
| US5318475A (en) * | 1992-06-19 | 1994-06-07 | Case Corporation | Apparatus for measuring mass flow of grain in a harvesting machine |
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| DE10307705A1 (en) * | 2003-02-21 | 2004-09-16 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Method and device for separating a crop flow |
| US20060185340A1 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2006-08-24 | Eyre Robert J | Cutting and threshing header for harvesting machine |
| EP1516522B2 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2023-03-29 | CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH | Method and device for determining the amount of tailings return |
| US7367880B2 (en) * | 2004-07-08 | 2008-05-06 | Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc | Method and apparatus for monitoring characteristics of a flow path having solid components flowing therethrough |
| AR060425A1 (en) * | 2007-04-11 | 2008-06-18 | Consejo Nac Invest Cient Tec | METHOD TO DECREASE LOSSES BY TAIL IN THE GRAIN HARVEST AND REGULATORY DEVICE OF THE ADVANCE SPEED OF A HARVESTOR |
| DE102007029218A1 (en) * | 2007-06-22 | 2008-12-24 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Self-propelled agricultural harvester with loss meter |
| GB201100675D0 (en) * | 2011-01-17 | 2011-03-02 | Agco As | Combine harvester grain cleaning apparatus |
| US9629308B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2017-04-25 | Intelligent Agricultural Solutions, Llc | Harvesting machine capable of automatic adjustment |
| US9324197B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2016-04-26 | Intelligent Agricultural Soultions | Method and system for managing the hand-off between control terminals |
| US9474208B2 (en) * | 2011-11-15 | 2016-10-25 | Appareo Systems, Llc | System and method for determining material yield and/or loss from a harvesting machine using acoustic sensors |
| US10321624B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2019-06-18 | Intelligent Agriculture Solutions LLC | Air seeder manifold system |
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| WO2015153809A1 (en) * | 2014-04-01 | 2015-10-08 | Precision Planting Llc | Agricultural implement and implement operator monitoring apparatus, systems, and methods |
| US10085379B2 (en) | 2014-09-12 | 2018-10-02 | Appareo Systems, Llc | Grain quality sensor |
| GB2535174B (en) * | 2015-02-10 | 2020-10-21 | Kverneland Group Kerteminde As | Plant processing apparatus |
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| GB201820875D0 (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2019-02-06 | Agco Int Gmbh | Grain cleaning system and method of controlling such |
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| US3515144A (en) * | 1967-07-19 | 1970-06-02 | Deere & Co | Device for sensing operating conditions in a harvesting machine |
| US3610252A (en) * | 1967-12-05 | 1971-10-05 | Clayson Nv | Apparatus for measuring quantities of granular material such as corn grains or similar crops |
| US3563013A (en) * | 1968-07-22 | 1971-02-16 | Massey Ferguson Inc | Automatic combine control |
| GB1280464A (en) * | 1968-10-04 | 1972-07-05 | Ransomes Sims & Jefferies Ltd | Improvements in or relating to combine harvesters |
-
1974
- 1974-12-23 US US05/536,030 patent/US3935866A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1975
- 1975-08-01 CA CA232,772A patent/CA1043439A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US3935866A (en) | 1976-02-03 |
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